As the World Health Organization (WHO) prepares for its annual Air Pollution Conference in March, Uganda faces a growing crisis in air quality that threatens both public health and economic stability.
Globally, air pollution is linked to approximately 7 million premature deaths each year, driven by increased cases of stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
In Uganda, the impact is becoming increasingly evident. Urban centers like Kampala, where vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and biomass burning converge, are witnessing a surge in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Hospitals report a steady rise in cases of asthma, pneumonia, and other respiratory ailments, especially during the dry season when air pollution peaks.
“Air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a public health crisis,” says Dr. Elizabeth Kutamba, a leading medical expert at Health Haven Clinic. “Every day, our clinics see patients whose lives are cut short by conditions that are largely preventable.”
Beyond the health risks, the economic toll is severe. Premature deaths and chronic illnesses are straining Uganda’s healthcare system while also reducing productivity, ultimately slowing economic growth.
However, experts argue that tackling air pollution could yield multiple benefits. Transitioning to cleaner fuels, strengthening industrial emissions regulations, and promoting sustainable transportation could save lives, improve public health, and boost economic development while also addressing climate change.
With the WHO conference on the horizon, Ugandan policymakers are under increasing pressure to act. “This conference offers us a timely opportunity to reframe our approach to air quality management,” says Dr. Kutamba.
As discussions unfold, the urgency for action has never been clearer. The choices Uganda makes now will determine whether it can breathe easier in the years to come.